AutoCAD 2006 and higher versions

In AutoCAD 2006, a brand new feature named as DYNAMIC BLOCKS were introduced. This new feature is a very important feature that is added to AutoCAD just like internal render. Now, we can do nearly everything that we were willing to do with the blocks just by using this feature. I will immediately give and example to explain what I am trying to tell.

Example.1 Editing a computer table which is prepared by using dynamic block properties. 

For example, we want a computer table to remain at standard lengths of 90, 100, 110, 120 and 130 cm, but we want its depth to be constant at 80cm. In the past, in order to deal with such a problem, you would have to create 5 different numbers of blocks. But now, only one block with dynamic attributes is enough.

Fig. 2 Dynamic blocks editing screen in AutoCAD.

As you can see in Fig. 2, dynamic blocks can be edited in a drawing environment that has a yellow background. We have two different options for editing dynamic blocks: (1) You will edit a dynamic block or an existing block or (2) you will create a new dynamic block in an empty editing screen. Indeed, a new drawings screen is not different than a normal drawing screen. However, there is a toolbar at the top and a new tool palette on the right side in this screen which is called block editor (You can see it more detailed in my article about AutoCAD tool palettes). They include tools that are used to edit the dynamic blocks.

** DYNAMIC BLOCKS
** Parameters & Actions

Different than the standard blocks, dynamic blocks have the properties of parameters and actions. More than one parameter or action can be assigned to any block. In general, parameters define the dimensions and location of the block. On the other side, actions define how the parameter to which it is assigned will operate and do the work that it is supposed to do. As an exception, ALIGNMENT parameters do not necessarily be assigned with an action. Dynamic blocks that have this parameter automatically align themselves to any drawing entity in a parallel way or perpendicularly. For example, if a wash basin block is made so that it can be aligned to a wall entity, then this would be a very practical job.

The simplest example is that you can move an entity inside a block free from the block itself. In order to do this, you can use a POINT parameter and a MOVE action that is assigned to this point. When you insert a block that is prepared having these properties, then the POINT parameter that you have defined will be seen just like ENDPOINT, MIDPOINT etc. So that, when you select and drag this point, then the entity that you attached to this point will move freely from the block.

Now, let me finish my article with an example:

Fig.3

To enter dynamic block editor, select Tools/Block Editor, write BEDIT into the command line or select the Block Editor as shown in Fig. 3. Then you will see that Edit Block Definition window will open up (Fig. 4).

Fig.4

We would like to create a new block, so let’s enter HOLE name and press OK. Then we will se the editing screen as shown in Fig. 2. What we want to do is to draw a circle with 10 radius inside a square with 100×100 dimensions. First of all, let’s make the drawing as shown in Fig. 5.

Fig.5

Our aim is to give to the hole the ability to move freely from the block. In order to do this, we need a POINT parameter. Let’s select Parameters tab from the tool palette from the left side and use POINT PARAMETER from there. Insert the point just at the center of circle. Actually, this is not necessary but, this will look more logical while using it. After inserting the point, change POSITION LABEL property from PROPERTIES tool palette as center. ‘!’ that you see near the point means that this parameter has not been assigned to any action yet.

Fig.6

Now, let’s select MOVE action from ACTIONS tab. When you select the action, AutoCAD will prompt you through the command line to select a parameter. Select the parameter named center. After that, it will prompt you to select some entities to which MOVE action will apply. Select only the circle and place the action symbol just over the parameter symbol.

Fig.7

Now, select MOVE action from ACTIONS tab. If you want, you can also change the action name as DRAG from properties menu. Press Close Block Editor symbol from the toolbar at the top and save changes. You will notice that AutoCAD returns back to the original drawing screen. Now, let’s insert our new block and try its dynamic properties. After inserting the block with the normal INSERT command, select it. Other than the usual insertion point you will see another point at the center of circle. This point is the parameter that we added inside the dynamic block. By holding this point and dragging, you will see that you can move the circle freely from the block (Fig. 7)

That’s all for this week. Bye.

Technorati Tags: AutoCAD, Dynamic Blocks, block, block editor

Resource: AutoCAD 2006 Dynamic Blocks White Papers

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